The Global Drug Facility: a unique, holistic and pioneering approach to drug procurement and management
Robert Matiru, Timothy Ryan
Volume 85, Number 5, May 2007, 348-353
Table 1. Challenges in providing access to anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs and tailored responses of the Global Drug Facility
| Challenge | Global Drug Facility’s response |
|---|---|
| Lack of financial resources for anti-TB drugs |
A Grant Service was implemented whereby anti-TB drugs are given freely to eligible and approved countries that are dependent on donors to meet their need for these drugs |
| Inefficient procurement systems |
A Direct Procurement Service was developed to aid governments, donors and nongovernmental organizations in purchasing drugs in countries that have sufficient finances but lack adequate procurement capacity; this service includes a quality assurance system |
| Inadequate quality assurance procedures | The GDF’s Technical Support Service combines Grant and Direct Procurement Services with technical assistance for: • in-country management and monitoring of anti-TB drugs • support in global efforts to improve the quality of anti-TB drugs, primarily via WHO’s prequalification programme |
| Non-specific international recommendations and non-adherence to international recommendations | |
| Lack of standardization of anti-TB drugs available | |
| Inadequate in-country management and monitoring of drug distribution and use. |